Heavy hearts in heavy times

I have never seen or heard so much hatred in my years of being on social media. It’s downright disheartening. It brings me down, grieves my spirit.

I myself have been verbally attacked because I made statements about that very thing (people justifying hate speech). I was called a p***y (sorry) and told that there’s nothing at all wrong in wishing someone harm or death. I mean, hey it’s not like they’re going out there and doing it, right?

Speechless.

I was also called out by name (and workplace) on someone’s page for a long-drawn out debate that they had with several other people. I made one statement to all those other people, naming no one and not even mentioning anything political, and this person decided to call ME out, questioning my “Christianity” then unfriended me.

What?

Needless to say I decided to stop making any such comments on anything relating to this subject. I have spent more than my fair share of tears over these things and given it all over to the Lord because quite frankly I just can’t hang onto them and let them break my me. It’s not worth my sanity.

You know, I certainly don’t agree with certain candidates’ policies, beliefs, etc. I actually think some are downright wicked. HOWEVER, that in no way gives me the right to go out and start spewing vitriol and nasty remarks about any of them. To call them names and wish them ill-will, or, God-forbid death. I mean, why would you do that?

I understand why the world does it, but the church? Remember, we are here to represent HIM, not ourselves. We are ambassadors of the Kingdom, of Jesus Christ and all HE stands for. We can’t bring OUR opinions and biases into these conversations or statements. What would Jesus say? We are supposed to be the oracles of God. Would God call these people degrading names, even if what they have done is evil? My guess is probably not.

Jesus died for our sins, allof our sins. He didn’t die for most of them or for a select few. Nor did He give up His life for people who are “worthy.” Don’t be tempted to play the game “Well at least I never...” because we all have….. in some form or another. The Bible says there is no one good, no, not one, and we ALL fall short of the glory. He died for everyone. EVERY ONE. Yes, even the evil, wicked candidates or politicians or their supporters who speak nasty awful things to those who don’t agree with them. We should be PRAYING for them, putting them up in intercession before the throne of God and praying for their salvation. The hardest people to pray for and love are the one’s who need it the most.

I am not saying I am exempt from this myself; Holy Spirit convicted me of this very thing and I am glad He did, because the last thing I want to do is misrepresent my Lord to anyone ever. We are sometimes the only Jesus that some people will meet…and I want to make sure that I glorify Him in every way.

And not just in these hot, political climes but in every day life with everyone I encounter. Those people are all an arms-length away from Jesus….in me. And you.

Vote prayerfully today. And please, slow down and think before you speak and respond in love. Press into His presence. Know Him so you can show Him.